Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed into law several bills that would affect the sidewalks of Waikiki and other parts of the island of Oahu. Bill 42 made it illegal for people to sit or lie on Waikiki sidewalks 24 hours per day. Bill 43 prohibited people from urinating and defecating in public places in Waikiki. Bill 46 made it illegal for people to urinate or defecate in public areas in the rest of Oahu. Offenders who violate these new laws could be fined up to $1,000 and/or up to one month in jail for the petty misdemeanor.
Caldwell noted that he also intends to sign Bill 48 which would ban sitting and lying from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM in Chinatown, downtown, McCully-Moiliili, Waipahu, Kalihi, and Kailua. Bill 48 still needs to be heard by the City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee and will need a final vote by the full City Council before coming to the Mayor's desk for his signature.
Opponents of the bills argue that they are unconstitutional and immoral. They believe that the government is criminalizing being homeless and feel that the money spent enforcing these laws would be better served by building more housing and providing more services for those who need it. Several organizations have stated that they would challenge the constitutionality of these bills in court.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-17-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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